The only downfall to metal straws is that because they are opaque, it can be difficult to tell if there are any spots of food or debris stuck inside. Having reusable straws on hand is a great way to protect the environment and save money at the same time. Similar to the process of cleaning metal straws, cleaning silicone straws is simple and can be done in just a few steps.

Like metal straws, silicone straws are also safe to put in the dishwasher, just be sure to put them on the top rack. Start by filling your sink with hot water — enough that you can fully submerge the straws — and a good washing up liquid. A good cleaning brush for your metal, silicone, or glass straw does not have to be expensive or fancy.But, it's important to make sure you're properly cleaning your reusable straws so they're not a breeding ground for bacteria. million tons of plastic that pollute our oceans (via NBC News), which is why it is important to make changes, no matter how small, regarding single-use plastics. Just as there are a ton of plastic straw alternatives out there, there are similarly a bunch of straw cleaning brushes, which can make it difficult to decide which option to choose. Let the straws soak for at least five minutes so the soapy water can break down any trapped particles.

Since the later half of the 2010s, the movement to abandon the plastic straw has grown particularly popular, with many states banning or limiting the use of single-use straws and big companies like Starbucks and Disney making the same commitment.If you're in a pinch, metal straws are also generally safe to put in the dishwasher, though it can be helpful to quickly scrub the inside with a bristle brush beforehand to make sure there's nothing stuck inside. Please make sure that Javascript and cookies are enabled on your browser and that you are not blocking them from loading.